U.S. patent number 10,182,551 [Application Number 15/451,143] was granted by the patent office on 2019-01-22 for sifting litter box.
This patent grant is currently assigned to James R. Sage, Jr.. The grantee listed for this patent is James R. Sage, Jr.. Invention is credited to James R. Sage, Jr..
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United States Patent |
10,182,551 |
Sage, Jr. |
January 22, 2019 |
Sifting litter box
Abstract
A fast and simple to use sifting litter box is provided. In an
embodiment of the invention, the sifting litter box comprises two
litter box trays oriented at a right angle with a screen placed in
between the trays. Rotating the sifting litter box ninety degrees
allows unused litter to sift through the screen while trapping
clumped litter. The clumped litter can be discarded by removing the
screen. Afterward, simply replace the screen back into the sifting
litter box for the next cleaning cycle.
Inventors: |
Sage, Jr.; James R. (North
Huntingdon, PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sage, Jr.; James R. |
North Huntingdon |
PA |
US |
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Assignee: |
Sage, Jr.; James R. (North
Huntingdon, PA)
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Family
ID: |
59723103 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/451,143 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170251627 A1 |
Sep 7, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62304204 |
Mar 5, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
1/0114 (20130101); B07B 1/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
1/00 (20060101); A01K 1/01 (20060101); B07B
1/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;119/165,166
;209/259,370,373,374 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Cyberbrands International, Cyberbrands.com, Quick Sand Litter Box,
(Nov. 11, 2017), Torrance, CA, US, available at
http://www.cyberbrands.com/pub/qsand2.html. cited by applicant
.
Amazon, Inc., Amazon.com, Lift'n Sift, (Nov. 11, 2017), Seattle,
WA, US, available at
https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Sift-Litter-Tray-System/dp/B01MT0NX45/ref=sr_-
1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509823885&sr=8-2&keywords=lift+sift+litter+box.
cited by applicant .
Luuup, Inc., Luuup.com, Luuup Litter Box, (Nov. 11, 2017), Toronto,
ON, Canada, available at
https://luuup.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search%20--
%20Brand&utm_term=luuup%20litter%20box&utm_content=Litter%20Box%20-%20Gene-
ral. cited by applicant .
Omega Paw, Inc., Omegapaw.com, Roll' N Clean Litterbox, (Nov. 11,
2017), St. Marys, ON, Canada, available at
http://omegapaw.com/products/roll-clean-litter-box.html. cited by
applicant .
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Petco.com, Van Ness Enclosed Sifting
Litter Pan, (Nov. 11, 2017), San Diego, CA, US, available at
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-litter-boxes-and-
-accessories/sifting-litter-boxes/van-ness-sifting-enclosed-cat-litter-pan-
. cited by applicant .
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Petco.com, Hagen Catlt SmartSift
Litter Box, (Nov. 11, 2017), San Diego, CA, US, available at
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-litter-boxes-and-
-accessories/sifting-litter-boxes/hagen-catit-smartsift-litter-box.
cited by applicant .
Amazon, Inc., Amazon.com, Littermaid Mega Self-Cleaning Litter Box,
(Nov. 11, 2017), Seattle, WA, US, available at
https://www.amazon.com/Littermaid-LM980-Mega-Self-Cleaning-Litter/dp/B004-
HGXVOK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509824307&sr=8-2&keywords=littermaid.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Rodriguez; Joseph C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: San Diego IP Law Group LLP
Coddington; Trevor
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/304,204, filed on Mar. 5, 2016, and entitled,
"Sifting Litter Box with Two Trays Creating a Right Angle," the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of cleaning a litter box including unused litter and
clumped litter, the method comprising the steps of: rotating a
litter box, wherein the litter box comprises a first litter box
tray, a second litter box tray, and a screen disposed between the
first litter box tray and the second litter box tray, wherein prior
to the step of rotating, the first litter box tray holds unused
litter and clumped litter, and the second litter box tray holds no
litter, and wherein after the step of rotating, the first litter
box tray holds no litter, the second litter box tray holds unused
litter, and the screen holds clumped litter; and removing the
screen.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of rotating the litter
box comprises the step of rotating the litter box ninety
degrees.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
discarding the clumped litter from the screen; and replacing the
screen between the first litter box tray and the second litter box
tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to litter boxes and more
specifically, to a sifting litter box with two litter box
trays.
2. Description of Related Art
Household pets are exceedingly popular, in the United States and
throughout the world. It is not uncommon for pet lovers to have
more than one pet. One very popular pet is the domestic cat.
According to the 2015-16 National Pet Owners Survey by the American
Pet Products Association, the cat has surpassed the dog as the "pet
of choice." There are an estimated 77.8 million pet dogs and an
estimated 85.8 million pet cats in the United States. Although cats
are relatively low maintenance, owners who keep their cats indoors
are faced with the litter box problem: how to best maintain and
clean the box or tray into which the cat urinates and defecates. At
best, it is an unpleasant task. And, for pregnant women and
individuals with an immune-deficiency, it should be avoided due to
risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be passed to
people through contact with feline feces (most litter products
display a warning suggesting that pregnant women and
immune-deficient patients avoid litter box maintenance).
Pet product manufacturers have introduced products over the years
to improve and meet the challenge of the litter box task, but
clearly the advent of clumping litter in the mid-1980s is one of
the most important. Prior to clumping litter, owners used
granulated clay litter, which must be cleaned frequently and offers
no odor control. Conversely, clumping litter solidifies wet urine
and excrement, and deodorizes solid waste matter better than any
other litter product. Clumping cat litter has quickly become the
number one selling type of cat litter on the market. Other popular
new cat litters are silica- and wood-based, which are clumping and
non-clumping.
Although clumping litter is an improvement over other options, the
disposal and maintenance problem of such still exists. Several
popular clumping litter brands refer to the products as
"scoopable," suggesting the use of a scoop to remove the clumped
waste from the litter. This method sends the cat owner on
unpleasant search missions through the litter.
A need therefore exists for a litter box that reduces a cat owner's
involvement in cleaning cat litter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive sifting
litter box, which will automatically, upon a reversal of position,
separate the litter from animal excrement. In an embodiment of the
invention, the litter box comprises a first litter box tray that is
joined to a second litter box tray. In joining the two trays at a
substantially right angle, one tray will be oriented horizontally
and the other tray will be oriented vertically. Additionally, the
litter box comprises a screen that is disposed at the junction
point of the two litter box trays and angled at a forty-five (45)
degree angle. The screen has a handle for a user to grab when
removing animal waste. When animal waste (i.e., clumped litter) is
present, the sifting litter box is rotated ninety (90) degrees so
that unused litter sifts through the screen while the waste is
trapped without falling back into the empty litter box tray. The
screen with waste is removed in a simple, tidy, and time-saving
manner with a minimum of effort, cleaned, and then reinserted back
into the litter box
In an embodiment of the invention, a litter box comprises: a first
litter box tray; a second litter box tray; and a removable screen
disposed between the first litter box tray and the second litter
box tray, wherein the removable screen comprises ribs spaced apart
in a configuration to permit the passage of unused litter and
prevent the passage of clumped litter. The first litter box tray
and the second litter box tray are joined at a right angle to one
another. The first litter box tray and the second litter box tray
comprises a means for securing the first litter box tray to the
second litter box tray. The first litter box tray and the second
litter box tray each comprise a handle. The first litter box tray
and the second litter box tray form a rounded rear section having a
constant radius of curvature. The screen comprises a handle and a
rim disposed on an edge opposite to the handle. The rim comprises a
number of openings.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a
litter box including unused litter and clumped litter, comprises
the steps of: rotating a litter box, wherein the litter box
comprises a first litter box tray, a second litter box tray, and a
screen disposed between the first litter box tray and the second
litter box tray; and removing the screen. Prior to the step of
rotating, the first litter box tray holds unused litter and clumped
litter, and the second litter box tray holds no litter. After the
step of rotating, the first litter box tray holds no litter, the
second litter box tray holds unused litter, and the screen holds
clumped litter. The step of rotating the litter box comprises the
step of rotating the litter box ninety degrees. The method further
comprises the steps of: discarding the clumped litter from the
screen; and replacing the screen between the first litter box tray
and the second litter box tray.
An advantage to the present invention is it provides a simple,
inexpensive manner to eliminate the necessity of hand scooping pet
waste out of a litter box. Working with the strengths of clumping
litter, by removing the clumps in one easy motion, without
scooping, the present invention will reduce the time of the task
and keep the user at a more comfortable distance without having to
strain. The user does not need to lift the lifter box to sift the
litter; all of the litter weight is always sitting on the
floor.
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention,
will be apparent from the following, more particular description of
the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying
drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the
objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sifting litter box
according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the sifting litter box shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the sifting litter box shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a litter box tray of the sifting
litter box shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a lifter box tray of the sifting
litter box shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled view of the sifting litter box
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 illustrates a screen of the sifting litter box shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the sifting litter
box shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 illustrates the sifting lifter box of FIG. 1 with unused
litter and waste;
FIG. 10 illustrates the separation of unused litter from waste
using the sifting litter box of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the sifting litter
box of FIG. 1 with the screen toted at a handle; and
FIG. 12 illustrates insertion of the screen into the sifting litter
box of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the
structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention,
are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying
FIGS. 1-12, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
Although the present invention is described in the context of a cat
litter box, the present invention can be deployed as a litter box
for any type of animal capable of being lifter box trained
including, but not limited to rabbits, ferrets, dogs, pigs, and
birds. As used herein, clumping litter refers to any litter that is
designed so that urine and feces can be removed easily from a
litter box without having to empty the entire box, i.e., only
clumped litter is removed while unused litter remains. Most
clumping litter contains bentonite that allows the litter to form a
solid clump as the litter absorbs liquid. There also alternative
all-natural fibers that clump animal litter tightly, the
identification of which is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate various views of a sifting litter box 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. The sifting litter box
10 comprises two litter box trays 12 and 14, and a removable screen
30. The litter box trays 12 and 14 are manufactured from a moldable
material such as, but not limited to polypropylene, polystyrene, or
resin. Polypropylene is a very strong substance that has the lowest
density of plastics used in packaging, and has a high melting
point, making it ideal for hot-fill liquids. Polystyrene is a very
versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed and has a relatively
low melting point. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and
brittle. Any of a class of solid or semi-solid organic resins of
natural or synthetic origin can be used as well, generally of high
molecular weight with no definite melting point. Most resins are
polymers. Other rigid materials can be used including, but not
limited to thermo-molded plastics, natural materials like wood or
bamboo infused resin, or recycled plastics. When the trays 12 and
14 are joined together, the sifting litter box 10 has a relatively
large radius of curvature, e.g., sixteen inches (16'') at its back
corner 20, which allows a user to create a smooth rolling action
from a first position (where the litter box tray 12 is horizontal
and in contact with a supporting surface) to a second position
(where litter box tray 14 is horizontal an in contact with the
supporting surface), and vice versa. Each litter box tray 12 or 14
has a built-in handle 32 or 34, respectively, for the user to
comfortably grab while rotating between the two litter box
positions.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each litter box tray 12 or 14 comprises
a rim flange 22 or 24, preferably angled at forty-five (45)
degrees, for securing the two litter box trays 12 and 14 together,
thus forming a ninety (90) degree or right angle between the trays
12 and 14. In other words, in a first position, the litter box tray
12 is oriented horizontally while the litter box tray 14 is
oriented vertically, as shown. Having a vertically oriented tray
provides a privacy wall for pets. In less preferred embodiments,
the angle of the ridge flanges 22 and 24 can be varied in order to
form an obtuse or acute angle between the litter box trays 12 and
14.
FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled sifting litter box 10. In an
embodiment of the invention, the rim flanges 22 and 24 optionally
comprise a plurality of male/female pairs of fasteners such as, but
not limited to holes and posts. For example, as shown in FIG. 6,
one side of the rim flange 22 or 24 comprises a number of posts 26
and the other side of the rim flange 22 or 24 comprise an equal
number of holes 28. When joining the rim flange 22 of litter box
tray 12 to the rim flange 24 of litter box tray 14, the holes 28
receive the posts 26. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the posts 26 are mushroom posts where a head of each post 26 is
slightly larger than its corresponding hole 28. Accordingly,
insertion of a post 26 through a hole 28 snaps or locks the
respective post 26 in place. Although only two posts 26 or holes 28
are shown, any number can be disposed around flange 22 or 24. In
other embodiments of the invention, other types of connectors may
be used such as, but not limited to hooks and slots, bolts and
nuts, turnbuckles, cotter pins, clips, or snaps, the implementation
of which is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The removable screen 30 permits sifting and separating clumping
waste from clean litter. The screen 30 comprises a handle 31 and
ribs 33. Ribs 33 are spaced apart in such a way that unused litter
can travel through the screen 30, but clumped litter cannot. In
another embodiment of the invention, the removable screen 30
comprises any type of sieve for separating clumped litter from
unused litter, the identification and implementation of which is
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as a riddle
tool, spider utensil, or mesh strainer.
In an embodiment of the invention, the litter box 10 comprises two
outer guides 37 and two inner guides 39. One outer guide 37 and one
inner 39 is used at each side of the litter box 10 to provide a
sliding channel for the screen 30 to slide in and out of the litter
box 10. An outer guide 37 provides a channel to fit over the rim
flanges 22 and 24. A respective inner guide 39 is fastened to the
outer guide 37 via two screws, thereby holding the litter box trays
12 and 14 together. The posts 26 and holes 28 may be additionally
used to strengthen the seal between the litter box trays 12 and 14.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer guides 37 and inner
guides 39 are polypropylene, polystyrene, a solid or semi-solid
organic resin, thermo-molded plastic, a natural materials like wood
or bamboo infused resin, or recycled plastics.
Referring to FIG. 7, a rim 36 is provided on the opposite end of
the handle 31. The rim 36 matches the radius of curvature of the
back corner 20 or the litter box 10, creating a close fit. The rim
36 is provided on opposite faces of the screen 30. Each rim 36 may
optionally include openings 35 to add strength. In an embodiment of
the invention, the screen 30 is polypropylene, polystyrene, a solid
or semi-solid organic resin, thermo-molded plastic, a natural
materials like wood or bamboo infused resin, or recycled plastics.
Alternatively, the screen 30 is metal. The removable screen 30 is
easy to clean when removed from the sifting litter box 10. Interior
surfaces of the litter box trays 12 and 14 are preferably smooth
and free of any corners or protrusions for clumped litter to get
stuck.
Referring to FIG. 8, each litter box tray 12 or 14 may include a
number of guides 38 to facilitate unencumbered rotation of the
litter box 10 during cleaning, as described below.
FIG. 9 illustrates the sifting litter box filled with unused litter
40 and waste 42 (i.e., clumped litter). Cleaning waste 42 begins
with placing the sifting litter box 10 on a surface such as a floor
as shown. Next, if not already in place, the screen 30 is inserted
into the sifting litter box 10 through the guides 38 along the rim
flanges 22 and 24. The screen 38 rests on the bottom interior of
the sifting litter box 10 as shown. Using the handles 32 and 34,
the sifting litter box is rotated counter-clockwise ninety (90)
degrees. In other words, the litter box tray 14 is moved to a
horizontal position, while the litter box tray 12 is moved to a
vertical position as shown in FIG. 10. This causes the unused
litter 40 to travel through the screen 30 while trapping the clumps
and solid waste 42 on the surface of the screen 20. The screen 30
is then removed using the handle 31 to lift the waste 42 away from
the litter box 10. After properly disposing the waste 42, the
screen 30 is placed back inside the litter box 10. A user never has
to lift the litter box 10 to clean it. Over time, it will be
necessary to add fresh litter to keep a suitable litter level.
In an embodiment of the invention, the handle 34 (or the handle 32)
comprises grooves that match the spacing of the ribs 33 as shown in
FIG. 11. The ribs engage with the handle grooves to stow the screen
30 on top of the litter box 10 if the user chooses to give more
interior space for the animal.
FIG. 12 illustrates insertion of the screen into the litter box
10.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments
for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles
of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the
invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the
specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully
commensurate in scope with the following claims.
* * * * *
References